Thousands ‘Give It A Go’ on Hampstead Heath

Children take part in fencing at the Give It A Go festival. Picture: City of London Corporation

Archant

Perhaps inspired by World Cup fever or Wimbledon, thousands of eager sporting heroes flocked to Hampstead Heath last weekend to take part in activities ranging from football to sack races, with some trying sport for the very first time.

Military fitness assault courses tested young wannabes at the Give It A Go festival. Picture: City of London Corporation

The Give It A Go festival is run in partnership by bodies including the City of London, Camden Council and Pro-Active Camden, and gives parents and children the chance to play sport together on Hampstead Heath.

There was also the chance for health-conscious local people to get aspects of their wellbeing checked – including their blood pressure.

Karina Dostalova, who chairs the City of London’s Hampstead Heath management committee, attended the event and said she was delighted with turnout.

She added: “It was great to see so many people from the community come to Parliament Hill and try out a wide range of new sports and activities.”

City of London Corporation's Hampstead Heath chief Karina Dostalova and Camden Deputy Mayor Councillor Maryam Eslamdoust. Picture: City of London Corporation

She added: “More than 4,000 people attended and got to enjoy over 20 different activities including fencing, tennis, and football for the first time.”

Luckily, with the temperature pushing 30C, London Fire Brigade was on hand with a high-powered hose to douse any participants struggling in the heat.

Karina added: “This event is built on the legacy and spirit of 2012 London Summer Olympics.

“I hope visitors will continue to improve their health and wellbeing while visiting the Heath.”

After being forced to cancel the annual Hounds on the Heath event which had been due to take place on Sunday afternoon, dog charity the Mayhew headed down to Give It A Go too, and used the opportunity to tell visitors about how they make dogs’ lives better.

n Meanwhile, the City of London has urged visitors to the Heath to stop littering after picking up a staggering 10 tons of rubbish over the weekend.

It said: “Please help us keep the Heath litter free by taking as much of your picnic and other items home with you as you can.

“This weekend, we gathered 10 tons of rubbish, using up time and money we can spend better on helping the Heath to thrive.”